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Notice to Mariners (NTMs) – Upper Thames

Notice to Mariners - Upper Thames

Solent, Oct 2025

Perfect weather for a first time sea paddle for five members on the Solent trip in October. Liza had us all doing warm up exercises under the watchful eyes of some donkeys in the nearby field, before getting on the water, then it was simply a matter of following the coastline.

First sea trip! […]

Bournemouth, Sept 2025

We had one of the shortest paddles in our recent history, but what a trip! Originally we had planned to paddle from Bournemouth Beach around Hengistbury Head. the weather did not look promising on the weather apps and as soon as we were on the beach it was clear that the trip was not […]

Jurassic Coast, Aug 2025

For our annual camping and kayaking weekend on the Jurassic Coast, a dozen of us made our way down to Dorset on Friday afternoon and evening. The weather forecast did not look good at all and it was somewhat doubtful if we would get on the water. After deliberating while at the pub, it […]

North Devon, Aug 2025

Nestled on the rugged North Devon coast, Ilfracombe is a charming seaside town known for its Victorian architecture, working harbour, and dramatic cliffs. While many visitors come for fish and chips on the quay or to admire Damien Hirst’s Verity statue, seeing this stretch of coastline from the sea is a must.

Sea kayaking […]

3 Forts, August 2025

Leaving the beach near Gosport RNLI, the VHF radio is full of chat about swimmers crossing the Solent. That seems like a mad idea and much better to be in kayaks. Especially as we have an exciting route that takes us pass three of the four Solent Palmerston Forts, as well as the buoy […]

South Devon, July 2025

After travelling down to South Devon on Friday night to our usual campsite, on Saturday morning we’re going in a convoy down to Warfleet near Dartmouth Castle. The wind is very strong according to the weather apps, 20 miles an hour, gusting 30 miles an hour from the West. The idea is that we […]

Solent Weekend, June 2025

On a warm Friday afternoon, 7 CKC club members travelled down to the New Forest for a weekend of kayaking around, across and along the Solent. Those arriving early got to walk through the New Forest for a pub meal, seeing wild horses along the way.

Wild Horses

The later arrivals, after overcoming the […]

Pembrokeshire 6-8th June 2025

Claire and Fiona organised a fantastic coached club trip to Pembrokeshire in June, guided by Sea Kayak Guides. 

A group of us met at the arches at 9:30 on Friday morning to load up boats and gear before setting off to Wales — immediately or later in the day. We’d made different arrangements for […]

Solent Crossing, March 2025

This was to be our first Isle of Wight (IOW) Solent crossing this year and the first time ever for four of our group. We all arrived in good time on Sunday morning and were able to get changed, unload the boats and kit ready for a safety briefing on the beach.

Getting ready […]

Reculver, March 2025

North Kent Coast

Preparing to depart to Reculver

It is early March and it’s time to repeat one of our paddling favourites along the North Kent coast – a trip passed Herne Bay to the Reculver Towers. It is the first proper sea trip for two of our group and the conditions are ideal […]